Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
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Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
Integrated System Design for Maximum Water Recovery — Minimize Brine Disposal, Meet ESG & Regulatory Targets
Zero Liquid Discharge programs are designed to eliminate or minimize the volume of liquid waste requiring disposal — recovering the maximum possible water from industrial wastewater streams. Global Water Treatment Services designs, builds, and operates integrated ZLD systems that combine membrane-based pretreatment and high-recovery RO with thermal concentration to achieve near-total water recovery.
ZLD Benefits
- Eliminates or sharply reduces liquid waste disposal costs and liabilities
- Maximizes water reuse — measurably reduces freshwater withdrawals
- Directly supports ESG commitments, water stewardship targets, and regulatory compliance
- Reduces brine hauling, injection well requirements, and evaporation pond volumes
- Recovers valuable minerals or salts from concentrate streams (optional)
- Improves overall process water balance and operational resilience
Applications
Typical ZLD Treatment Train
Pretreatment — Microfiltration
Removes TSS, emulsified oil, colloids, and biological matter. Protects downstream RO from fouling. 90–98% water recovery of pretreatment stream.
High-Recovery Reverse Osmosis
Advanced RO achieves 80–90% water recovery, producing high-quality permeate (<500 mg/L TDS) and a concentrated brine stream.
Thermal Concentration (MVC/MVR)
Mechanical vapor compression evaporators treat the RO brine concentrate, achieving near-zero liquid discharge. Recovers additional high-quality distillate.
Solids Management
Crystallizers, centrifuges, or evaporation pads handle residual solids. Optional mineral recovery for economic value extraction.